The Bop Chords went from a street corner to Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater in a matter of weeks. Their career was brief, but they left behind three singles.

“Rhythm and blues had a baby and they called it rock and roll,” Little Richard quipped at the Concert For The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland in 1995. So who were the parents? Here are 13 Fabulous ’40s artists who facilitated that birth.

Seeking the fountain of youth? Check out rock and roll. That was the philosophy of Hank Ballard, who rose to fame with The Midnighters and helped shape music.

The 1940s was a watershed decade for labels such Chess, Imperial and Aladdin. But King Records ruled the indie circuit, thanks largely to owner Syd Nathan.